Thursday, September 13, 2012

An Industry VIP Event – it’s not all about champagne and parties!


Hi Everyone,

Welcome to my second blog post! Well after traveling in my last blog, I arrived to work and got straight back into it again! Although no leases have been signed as yet for the upcoming showroom, the owner wants me to start organizing the VIP Opening night for the potential showroom in order to generate awareness among our clientele within the industry and to promote Pacific Blue furniture’s brand image of quality, luxury and prestige.

At first I found myself getting carried away with elaborate and fun ideas such as champagne on arrival, showroom layout and designer invitations. So as I began to feel a little overwhelmed I referred back to the various concepts and processes I have learnt throughout my degree in regards to event planning allowing me to take one step at a time.

For the first few days back at work my time was largely spent on the computer coming up with a client database. As I am not use to using excel, I was taught various skills, which made the process much easier! I firstly made a spreadsheet of all builders, architects, interior designers in the local area who are potential clients for the business. The rest of the week was non-stop contributing towards budgets, scheduling and organizing promotional material.

My favourite part of organizing the event to date has been coercing with the graphic designer for promotional material to use at the event such as VIP cards, bags and invitations. Below is a proof of our VIP card which I helped design to give all attendees entitling repeat industry VIP's 20% off our products, this is also apart of Pacific Blue’s loyalty program.

Front                       Back


As the majority of my time has been spent on the computer researching and crunching numbers I would have to agree with Carolyn Verey when she mentioned that “Unfortunately PR is not about cocktail parties and lunches”. 
Nonetheless, I have really enjoyed doing something different and employing the concepts I have learnt throughout my degree. I’m now looking forward to the event going ahead!

Until next time,

Courtney

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hi Courtney,

I must say after the past month I’ve had completing my internship I can definitely relate to your blog. When you think of event co-ordinating, glamorous events come to mind filled with champagne and cocktail dresses this however is not the case. You are very true in saying that organising events can become overwhelming very quickly and that it is important to take one step at a time.

I loved the quote you used from Carolyn Verey stating that “unfortunately PR is not about cocktail parties and lunches.” I had not heard this quote before reading your blog and it is very true! My first event that I was a project manager for was held last Sunday and I have another event tomorrow, I must say it is rewarding to see all of your hard work on the day of the event.

Enjoy and good luck with the rest of your planning!

Laura